The colonial period created major challenges for traditional performing arts in India. During the nineteenth century, cultural changes and colonial attitudes toward indigenous traditions caused many dance practices to decline.
Certain dance communities that had long performed in temples and courts began to lose social support. As a result, several traditional dance forms that had existed for centuries slowly disappeared from public life.
This stage forms an important chapter in the broader development explained in the pillar article “History of Indian Dance Origin.”
Colonial Attitudes Toward Traditional Dance
During the rule of the British Empire in India (approximately 1757–1947), many traditional cultural practices were misunderstood or criticized by colonial authorities and some social reformers.
In particular, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries (around 1850–1930), temple dance traditions and performance communities faced growing social stigma. British officials and Christian missionaries often judged Indian cultural practices through Victorian moral standards, which led to criticism of temple dancers and their roles in society.
One major campaign during this time was the Anti‑Nautch Movement (1892–1920s). This movement was supported by some colonial authorities and Indian social reformers who believed that temple dance traditions were morally inappropriate. As a result, many public performances were discouraged, and temple dancers—often known as Devadasi community—faced increasing social pressure.
Because of these attitudes, several temple-based dance traditions gradually declined. Performances that had once been an important part of religious rituals and social life became less common.
This period marked one of the most challenging phases in the history of Indian dance. However, despite these difficulties, many artists and cultural leaders later worked to revive and preserve traditional dance forms in the early 20th century.
Loss of Temple and Court Patronage
Before colonial rule, many dance traditions were supported by temples and royal courts. These institutions provided performers with training, resources, and opportunities to perform.
However, during the colonial era:
- Temple patronage decreased
- Royal courts lost political power
- Performance traditions received less financial support
Without these institutions, many dance traditions struggled to survive.
Revival of Classical Indian Dance
In the early twentieth century, several artists, scholars, and cultural reformers began serious efforts to revive traditional Indian dance forms that had declined during the colonial period. They realized that many valuable artistic traditions were disappearing and needed to be preserved as part of India’s cultural heritage. To rebuild these traditions, they carefully studied historical sources such as temple sculptures, literary texts, and surviving performance practices.
Researchers examined visual evidence from historic sites like the Chidambaram Temple and the Brihadeeswara Temple, where carvings of dancers showed ancient postures and gestures. These sculptures helped scholars understand the body positions, hand gestures, and rhythmic movements used in earlier dance traditions.
Cultural reformers also worked to change public attitudes toward traditional dance. During the colonial period, many dance practices had been misunderstood or socially criticized. Reformers argued that these traditions were not merely entertainment but sophisticated art forms connected with history, literature, and spirituality. By presenting dance in new cultural settings such as theatres, educational institutions, and public performances, they helped restore its reputation.
One of the most influential figures in this revival was Rukmini Devi Arundale. She played a key role in reshaping the dance form now known as Bharatanatyam. Through her efforts, the dance was presented on formal stages with refined choreography, carefully designed costumes, and structured training methods. She also founded the famous cultural institution Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, which became an important center for teaching classical dance and music.
Other cultural activists, including E. Krishna Iyer, also supported the revival movement. They organized performances, promoted dance in cultural forums, and encouraged society to recognize classical dance as an important part of India’s artistic identity.
Because of these revival efforts, several classical dance traditions were preserved and reintroduced to new generations of performers and audiences. Today, these dance forms continue to flourish in India and around the world, demonstrating how dedicated individuals helped protect and revitalize an important cultural heritage.
Institutional Support for Dance
After India gained independence in 1947, the government and cultural organizations began taking active steps to preserve and promote traditional performing arts. Many leaders believed that classical dance, music, and theatre were important parts of the nation’s cultural heritage. As a result, several institutions were created to support artists, encourage research, and promote public appreciation of Indian dance.
One of the most important national institutions is the Sangeet Natak Akademi, established in 1953 as India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama. The organization works to promote performing arts across the country by supporting artists, organizing festivals, and preserving traditional knowledge. Through awards, scholarships, and documentation projects, the Akademi has played a major role in strengthening classical dance traditions.
Cultural institutions like the Sangeet Natak Akademi also help dancers and teachers through various initiatives. They organize national festivals, workshops, and training programs where artists from different regions can perform and share their knowledge. These events provide opportunities for young dancers to learn from experienced masters and help audiences appreciate the diversity of Indian dance traditions.
Another important contribution of such institutions is the documentation and preservation of traditional dance knowledge. Researchers record performances, collect historical materials, and publish books and archives related to dance history and techniques. This work helps ensure that valuable artistic traditions are not lost over time.
In addition to national organizations, several cultural academies and training centers have been established across India. Institutions like the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai have become important centers for teaching classical dance and music. These institutions provide systematic training, maintain high artistic standards, and encourage research in traditional performing arts.
Through festivals, educational programs, and cultural initiatives, these institutions have helped restore classical dance as a respected art form in modern India. Their efforts have also introduced Indian dance to international audiences, allowing performers to present their traditions on global stages.
Today, institutional support continues to play a vital role in preserving the rich heritage of Indian dance while encouraging innovation and new interpretations for future generations.
Continuing Legacy of Indian Dance
Today, Indian classical dance remains a vibrant and respected part of cultural life both in India and across the world. Performances are regularly presented on cultural stages, at national and international festivals, and in universities and art institutions. Through these platforms, traditional dance forms continue to reach new audiences while maintaining connections with their historical roots.
Many classical dance traditions such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya, Manipuri, Kathakali and Kuchipudi are now widely taught in dance schools and academies. Students learn not only the physical movements but also the cultural and historical meanings behind the gestures, expressions, and storytelling techniques. This systematic training ensures that the artistic knowledge developed over centuries is carefully preserved and passed on to future generations.
Indian dance has also gained strong international recognition. Cultural festivals, global tours, and academic exchange programs allow dancers to present their traditions to audiences in many countries. Institutions and cultural organizations frequently organize performances, workshops, and lectures to introduce the richness of Indian dance to global communities. As a result, many international students now study classical dance forms and contribute to their worldwide popularity.
At the same time, contemporary performers are exploring new ways to present traditional dance. While respecting classical techniques and traditional storytelling methods, choreographers sometimes experiment with modern themes, stage designs, and collaborative performances with other art forms. These innovations help classical dance remain relevant to modern audiences while preserving its essential artistic principles.
The continuing legacy of Indian dance therefore reflects a balance between tradition and innovation. Ancient techniques, devotional themes, and expressive storytelling remain central to the art, while new generations of dancers bring fresh interpretations and creative energy. This ongoing evolution ensures that Indian dance remains a living cultural tradition that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Conclusion
The colonial period caused a decline in several traditional dance practices, but it also inspired a powerful cultural revival. Through the efforts of artists, scholars, and institutions, many classical dance traditions were restored and celebrated once again.
These revival movements helped reconnect modern Indian dance with its deep historical roots. To understand the earlier stages of this evolution, explore the pillar article “History of Indian Dance Origin.”
FAQs on Colonial Decline and Dance Revival
Colonial decline and dance revival refers to the period when traditional Indian dance forms faced social stigma and reduced patronage during British rule, followed by revival efforts in the early twentieth century that helped restore classical dance traditions.
During British colonial rule, many traditional dance practices were misunderstood or criticized by colonial authorities and some reform movements. Temple patronage declined, royal courts lost power, and dancers faced social stigma, which caused several dance traditions to weaken.
The Anti-Nautch Movement, active between 1892 and the early 1900s, criticized temple dance traditions and discouraged performances by dancers associated with temples. This campaign increased social pressure on dance communities and contributed to the decline of traditional performances.
Temples and royal courts had historically supported dancers by providing training, performance opportunities, and financial resources. When these institutions lost influence during colonial rule, many performers struggled to continue their artistic traditions.
Several cultural reformers and artists worked to revive classical Indian dance forms. Figures such as Rukmini Devi Arundale and E. Krishna Iyer played important roles in restoring respect for traditional dance and promoting it on modern cultural stages.
Temple sculptures provided valuable visual evidence of ancient dance postures and gestures. Scholars and artists studied carvings from historic temples to reconstruct traditional movements and understand earlier performance styles.
After India gained independence in 1947, institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi were established to promote music, dance, and theatre. These organizations support artists through festivals, scholarships, training programs, and research.
The Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai became an important institution for teaching classical dance and music. Founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale, it helped establish structured training and professional presentation for Bharatanatyam.
Several classical dance traditions survived and were revived, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, and Sattriya. Today these forms are performed widely in India and internationally.
This period demonstrates how cultural traditions can survive difficult social changes. Despite colonial challenges, artists, scholars, and institutions successfully revived classical dance and preserved an important part of India’s artistic heritage.
